All students must meet the Requirements for the Master's Degree
Overview
The Master of Science in Medical Laboratory Science (MMLS) program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills required for leadership roles in management, education, and research related to advanced clinical practice in the medical laboratory profession.
Individuals may enter the program via 2 tracks, depending on their background:
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Track 1 is for individuals with a Bachelor’s Degree who are not certified in medical laboratory science but desire a career in the clinical laboratory sciences. Upon completion of the program, these students will be eligible to take the national certification exam in medical laboratory science offered by the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP). Graduation is not contingent upon passing the ASCP certification exam.
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Track 2 is for medical laboratory science-certified graduates who seek advanced training and expertise in evidence-based practice, scientific research, healthcare management and leadership. Track 2 also includes an accelerated Master’s option for current UVM medical laboratory science students (we are currently not accepting applications for Track 2).
Both Track 1 and Track 2 involve a research-based capstone project that will engage students in hands-on research methodology, experimental practice, and scientific communication. The capstone project provides students with the opportunity to develop important skills in evidence-based practice and clinically-related research.
Our faculty offer advanced practice courses in molecular methods, clinical laboratory correlations, health care leadership and management, policy, ethics, quality, research design and methods; and research experiences to prepare graduates of both tracks to become future leaders in the profession.
Students in Track 1 will complete a semester-long clinical practicum at one of our clinical affiliate hospitals as part of the core NAACLS-accredited program.
Specific Requirements
REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION TO GRADUATE STUDIES FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF SCIENCE
Track 1
- B.S. or B.A. in one of the life sciences (or related field) from accredited college or university
- Minimum overall GPA of 3.0
- Undergraduate and (when applicable) graduate transcripts
- General biology or anatomy and physiology (8 credits), general chemistry (8 credits), organic chemistry or biochemistry (4 credits), general microbiology with lab (4 credits), college level math (3 credits)
- TOEFL or IELTS scores (international students)
- UVM Graduate College Application
Track 2 (not currently accepting applications)
- B.S. in Medical Laboratory Science or related field
- ASCP certification in Medical Laboratory Science or ASCP certification-eligible
- Minimum overall GPA of 3.0
- Undergraduate and (when applicable) graduate transcripts
- General biology or anatomy and physiology (8 credits), general chemistry (8 credits), organic chemistry or biochemistry (4 credits), general microbiology with lab (4 credits), college level math(3 credits)
- TOEFL or IELTS scores (international students)
- UVM Graduate College Application
MINIMUM DEGREE REQUIREMENTS
Track 1
43 credits NAACLS accredited courses and 24 credits Advanced Practice courses (67 credits total). Students should work closely with the program or their advisor on their academic plan
| FIRST YEAR | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| MLS 5100 | Gr Clinical Chemistry I | 4 |
| BHSC 5810 | Gr Applied Molecular Bio | 3 |
| BHSC 5820 | Gr Applied Molec Bio Lab | 1 |
| STAT 5000 | Biostatistics and Epidemiology | 3 |
| or STAT 5210 | Advanced Stat Methods & Theory | |
| MLS 6100 | Advanced Immunobiology | 3 |
| Spring Semester | ||
| BHSC 5440 | Gr Immunology Lab | 1 |
| MMG 5220 | Gr Medical Micro w/lab | 4 |
| MLS 5110 | Gr Clinical Chemistry II | 3 |
| GRNS 6280 | Quality in Healthcare | 3 |
| PATH 6250 | Genetics for Clinicians | 3 |
| NH 6899 | Fundamentals Critical Inquiry | 3 |
| Summer Semester | ||
| MLS 6900 | Clinical Leadership & Mgt | 3 |
| MLS 6500 | Research and Design II | 3 |
| SECOND YEAR | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| MLS 6300 | Emerging Diag. Technologies | 3 |
| MLS 5200 | Gr Hematology | 3 or 4 |
| MLS 5300 | Gr Clinical Micro II | 3 |
| MLS 5400 | Gr Immunohematology | 4 |
| MLS 6600 | Research Capstone | 1-3 |
| Spring Semester | ||
| MLS 6700 | Clinical Practicum | 12 |
| MLS 6600 | Research Capstone | 1-3 |
| MLS 6000 | Certification Review | 1 |
Track 2 (not currently accepting applications)
30 credits of advanced practice coursework.
| FIRST YEAR | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| MLS 6300 | Emerging Diag. Technologies | 3 |
| STAT 5000 | Biostatistics and Epidemiology | 3 |
| or STAT 5210 | Advanced Stat Methods & Theory | |
| Spring Semester | ||
| NH 6899 | Fundamentals Critical Inquiry | 3 |
| PATH 6250 | Genetics for Clinicians | 3 |
| Summer Semester | ||
| MLS 6900 | Clinical Leadership & Mgt | 3 |
| MLS 6500 | Research and Design II | 3 |
| SECOND YEAR | ||
| Fall Semester | ||
| MLS 6600 | Research Capstone | 1-3 |
| Approved Elective | 3 | |
| Spring Semester (Note: these courses may also be taken in the Spring of year 1) | ||
| MLS 6200 | Clinical Correlations | 3 |
| GRNS 6280 | Quality in Healthcare | 3 |
| MLS 6600 | Research Capstone | 1-3 |
COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION
Students will complete a written comprehensive exam prior to graduation.
REQUIREMENTS FOR ADVANCEMENT TO CANDIDACY FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF SCIENCE
Successful completion of the comprehensive exam and in academic good standing.